Research Specialist in Tissue Engineering

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

The research will be conducted in the group of Professor Volker Lauschke. In the group, we use 3D cell culture systems of primary human cells, microfluidics and integrative bioinformatics approaches to develop better model systems for prediction of drug toxicity and to identify novel therapeutic strategies for complex metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. In addition, we are interested in understanding the molecular basis of hepatic plasticity in liver injury and regeneration. Furthermore, we study the genetic basis of drug response and adverse drug reactions on a population-scale.

Description of the subject area

We are looking for a driven researcher who is excited about facilitating the development of new therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases by narrowing the gap between in vitro and in vivo. The successful applicant is expected to establish novel organotypic and microphysiological models to emulate human organ function as well as organ crosstalk ex vivo.

Your mission

The mission of the advertised position is to advance the development of transformative therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases by creating innovative, physiologically relevant in vitro models that more faithfully reflect human biology. By integrating primary human 3D culture systems, microphysiological platforms, and bioengineering approaches, the candidate will narrow the experimental and translational gap between in vitro and in vivo, enabling deeper mechanistic insight and more accurate prediction of drug efficacy and toxicity.

The candidate will coordinate the establishment next-generation organotypic and multi-organ models that capture human organ function and inter-organ communication. To this end, he or she will use a set of innovative technologies, including organ-on-a-chip, bioprinting and 3D spheroid culture. Ultimately, the goal is to contribute scalable, reproducible, and mechanistically grounded experimental platforms that accelerate discovery and inform the development of precision therapeutics for diverse populations.

Eligibility requirements

For employment as Research Specialist at Karolinska Institutet, the eligibility requirements stated in the Guidelines for non-teaching positions at Karolinska Institutet are applied in relation to the established profile of employment.

To be eligible for employment as a Research Specialist, in addition to holding a Degree of Doctor, PhD, or having a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a Swedish doctoral degree, the applicant must have demonstrated research expertise as well as have documented postdoctoral research experience.

Assessment criteria

You should have a doctoral degree in a relevant field. It is particularly meritorious that you have shown demonstrated expertise in 3D cell culture, including spheroids, organoids, or tissue-engineered constructs, as well as a proven ability to work with primary human cells and maintain high-quality, reproducible cultures. Moreover, you should have proficiency in microphysiological and bioengineering technologies, such as organ-on-a-chip platforms, microfluidics and bioprinting, and should have the ability to design, troubleshoot, and optimize custom bioengineering setups. Further, you also need to show a clear motivation to develop physiologically relevant, human-based model systems and understand the translational bottlenecks in drug development.

A track record of working in international settings as well as the demonstrated ability to acquire research grants and fellowships is meritorious.

After an overall assessment of the expertise and merits of the applicants in relation to the subject area, Karolinska Institutet will determine which of them has the best potential to contribute to a positive development of the activities at KI.

What do we offer?

A creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Here, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. At KI, you get to meet researchers working with a wide range of specialisms and methods, giving you ample opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with the various scientific fields within medicine and health. It is the crossover collaborations, which have pushed KI to where it is today, at the forefront of global research. Several of the people you meet in healthcare are educated at KI. A close relationship with the health care providers is important for creating groundbreaking top quality education and research. Karolinska Institutet is also a state university, which entitles you to several benefits through our collective agreement.

Location: Solna

https://ki.se/en/research/research-areas-centres-and-networks/research-groups/personalized-medicine-and-drug-development-lauschke-lab

Application

We prefer that Your application is written in English, but You can also apply in Swedish. An application must contain the following documents:  PhD certificate, resumé, qualifications and description of planned research, presented in accordance with Karolinska Institutet's qualifications portfolio.

Welcome to apply at the latest December 11 2025.

The application must be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

Permanent position is initiated by a six months trial period.

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all!